You wish you went here

I'm getting back into the swing of things since I returned to DC after Thanksgiving Break. Getting back into the daily grind was scary for me because finals are coming up, and I knew that as soon as I came back there would be tons of presentations to make, homework to do, and tests to take. However, God took this fear away, without me even asking specifically. I asked him to help me in this time of stress and he responded. I thought every day this week would be a nightmare. But it's turning out to be quite the opposite. I have found more than enought time to get the things done that I needed to get done. I have been blessed and found favor with my teachers. I even got to skip 2 classes this morning, as they were cancelled. And because these 2 classes were cancelled, I was able to stay up all night worshipping on the piano in the piano lounge in my dorm, singing and praying for the lost. God really pinned it on my heart to pray for those who do not know him yet. And so I did. And I even wrote FOUR songs. All last night! It was great. Despite the massive amounts of homework, exams, and presentations this week, many great things have been happening!

For one, I got to see a band that I had been following for years - Jukebox the Ghost. They performed at the 9:30 club, and were completely incredible. I have a rekindled love for them, as I had always loved their music but never knew that they were incredible live musicians as well. They really engage the audience in their music and it's no wonder that they are finally gaining a huge following. I really really enjoyed seeing them, as they are a band I have loved for a long time, but I mostly enjoyed spending time with Liz. Liz was supposed to be my roommate, but her assignment somehow got switched. We met completely by accident (or by God), that same night I met everyone from Campus Outreach in that first week. We've been hanging out ever since. And last night was an amazing night with her! I was so glad she came. We had a blast, we talked forever, and I trully got to hear her heart.

Another great thing hapening is the Voice Gospel Choir concert coming up on SUNDAY. I am so excited to sing all of the songs we have been working so hard at. There were 4 scheduled practices this week, but it was awesome! My friend even texted me today saying that she heard about it from a poster, and that she was totally going to be there! Im so stoked to sing,

Today, I baked cookies and brownies with my rooommates. DELISH. That was my lunch/supper. For dinner, I went out to Dupont Circle with Isaac, my friend from high school who lives here as a Marine. Afterwards, we met up with two of my friends, walked to the top of the Kennedy Center building and saw all of DC from one terrace! BOOYAH.

More cool stuff: Obama, Clinton, Bush, Bono, and Alicia Keys all came to my school yesterday to sign for funding for the fight against HIV/Aids, supported by ONE - Bono's nonprofit that I am a member of.  I did not get to see or meet them because the event wasn't open to the public (or students I guess).  In fact, rumor has it that only 10 students were allowed in.  Either way, it's pretty freaking cool.  I mean seriously, YOU WISH you went here.  I swear, yesterday was celebrity day. Not only these superstars, but also Cornel West. If you don't know him, no worries. But he is a pretty important speaker. ALSO: I got to see Jukebox the Ghost.  AND my roommate went to an afterparty for Nick Muhler.  I swear it was famous people day.

It's getting colder for sure! But I have a newfound love for winter. I thought I would HATE it . But instead I am enjoying the coats, hats, scarves, crispy cold, and hot beverage kind of weather.

More news: Instead of eating out for every meal as I had been doing since I lack any sort of kitchen in my entire dorm, I have been cooking dinner almost every night. Whether I did it with Franny, my fellow frugal freshman who lives in a dorm with one communal kitchen, or I did it with Donna, who of course has a lovely kitchen + pots + pans + spices + everythig, I ended up making a cheap delicious meal that saves me lots of money. So with this new lifestyle, as I've given in and asked to use other peoples' kitchens, I could definitely use some pots, pans, spices, tools, etc. (Hint Hint, Mom and Dad).

I can't wait for CHRISTMAS.

Love,

Katrina